Turkey's role in Libya hampers peace efforts

The longer the conflict lasts in Libya, the higher will be the stakes for another wave of refugees into Europe

Turkey's intervention in Libya is a strategical mistake that might cost Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government dearly.
Turkey thinks the presence of Turkish army in Libya could generate some profit for the country, but the truth is Turkey is making some serious enemies while intervening in a territory that is long marked by important forces.
Libya is a rich nation. Its vast reserves of oil and gas have always attracted interest from various countries. Italy and France, for instance, have for years tried to exert their influence on Tripoli.
Both countries had a strong presence in Libya until its independence in 1951.
From 1912 to 1927, the territory of Libya was known as the Italian North Africa and Italy's state-owned Eni (a multinational oil and gas company headquartered in Rome) is Libya's largest foreign oil producer.
Even today, Eni and Libya National Oil Corporation (NOC) are actively cooperating in implementing new projects in the oil and the gas fields. Recently, the two companies were working closely in gas fields near Bar El Salam and discussing opportunities that aim to improve hydrocarbon recovery in the Bouri offshore field as well as other projects that include potential undeveloped areas.
France, on the other hand, is interested more in the south of Libya due to its interests in Mali and the rest of the Sahel African countries, especially the uranium mines in the north of Niger.
Turkey's intervention in Libya disturbs relations with these countries too and could backfire. Yet, Erdogan remains unfazed. In the past few weeks, Turkish warship has fired missiles south of the city of Al Ajaylat, west of the Libyan capital, Tripoli. It targeted positions of General Khalifa Haftar of the Libyan National Army (LNA). 
According to Libyan sources, Turkey has also installed drone guidance antennas in the western suburbs of Zaouia in the region of Al Harsha to support Sarraj Government of National Accord (GNA) 
Turkey wants its main ally, the Chairman of the Presidential Council of Libya and prime minister of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Fayez Al Sarraj to govern the country.
Despite its official status, it is no secret to anyone that Sarraj is backed by many militias who are nurtured by the Muslim Brotherhood ideology. 
Turkey has benefited from the legitimate status of Sarraj's government which has allowed it to assert rights over large areas in the eastern Mediterranean that is rich in hydrocarbons. Owing to this agreement, other countries like Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt now see Turkey as a real threat to their own security.
Turkey is also infuriating Russia with its intervention in Libya. Putin's government supports Haftar, and the last intervention of Bashar's regime in Idlib is a way to punish Erdogan. But sadly, the real victims are the innocent civilians.
Recently, a delegation from General Khalifa Haftar's Libyan National Army (LNA), visited Damascus which could mean more problems for Turkey in both Libya and Syria.
Ankara has been violating the sovereignty of Libya and Syria.
Turkey's interventions in both these countries has created chaos and uprooted people from their homes.
The UAE has always called for peaceful solutions and has stressed its support for a political solution based on the Berlin conference. It has called upon "all parties to commit to the political process under the supervision of the United Nations".
Libya is considered an entry point to Europe. Turkey's latest adventurism in Libya is a real obstacle to any roadmap towards peace. The longer the conflict lasts in Libya, the higher will be the stakes for another wave of refugees into Europe. The safety and the security of Europe is also at stake if lone wolves decide to attack.
 
Christiane Waked is a political analyst based in Beirut